Experts share views on dealing with situations in which wild animals enter human settlements

In recent times, stories of wild animals entering houses have become as common as those of breaking and entering by thieves. And it is we humans who are to blame for this predicament. According to Dr. Vinaya Jangale, Veterinary Officer, Sanjay Gandhi National Park(SGNP), encroachment is the main reason for wild animals entering human territory.

“There is an increase in cases of wild animals entering human habitat these days. This year alone, there have been six such cases already in Mumbai and a few more in the outskirts. Slum dwellers are encroaching in on Mumbai and its bordering regions. This drives the wild animals to come onto human turf,” said Dr. Jangale.

Environmentalist Debi Goenka agrees with the above assessment, and says that encroachment is the central reason forthe rise in such incidents.

“The natural habitat of animals is being scourged by man. There is encroachment onto their home ground, and this intrusion is not confined to the increase of slums, it includes the rising number of residential complexes around these reserves. In order to check such cases, there needs to be a control on the rise in encroachments,” said Goenka.

Dr. Jangale concurs, adding that human curiosity simply worsens the situation.

“For instance when a leopard enters a civilian area, crowds gather around it, which is out of its element. Leopards do not generally attack human beings on purpose and usually prefer to go into hiding when confronted by a mob. Let it hide; don’t provoke it by creating a scene,” states Dr. Jangale.

“Stay calm; lock either the leopard or yourself in a room. Basically, keep away from the animal. Call the forest department and let them handle the situation,” said Goenka.

“There needs to be greater awareness among the general populace about handling themselves during such situations,” added Goenka.

How to handle a situation…
In a bid to create awareness among people and also to teach them how to handle a situation when a leopard stumbles into a human settlement, SGNP in association with Growel’s 101 Mall, Kandivli (East) has organised a workshop on ‘How to handle a situation when a Leopard enters a human habitat’ on June 4, at 1:30p.m. where the key speakers would be Dr. Deepak Sawant, Range Forest officer, SGNP and Dr. Vinaya Jangale Veterinary Officer, SNGP. The venue is Growel’s 101 Mall, Akurli Road, Next to W.E. Highway, Kandivli (E), Mumbai-101.

Issues that will be discussed will include the importance of wildlife and forest land and issues currently faced by SGNP. There will also be a graphical demonstration on handling leopards.